On the occasion of Paris Photo 2026, ECAL presents Soft Photography – Human Emotions and Machine-Generated Images in two exhibitions at the Grand Palais and at the Espace Commines. Accompanied by a publication, this research project explores the role of AI-generated images in contemporary visual culture.
How do we react to AI-generated images? What role do these representations play in contemporary visual culture? Human Emotions and Machine-Generated Images offers a reflection on the use of generative photographic technologies through the lens of emotion.
Developed as part of ECAL Master Photography, this research project explores the central role of our emotional reactions to the constant stream of images on social media, ranging from “oddly satisfying” videos and ASMR to rage-bait and propaganda.
By combining artistic experimentation and theoretical research, Soft Photography examines how images are increasingly designed to hold our attention indefinitely.
On the occasion of Paris Photo, two exhibitions and a publication, edited in collaboration with Les presses du réel, present a selection of projects that explore how the engineering of emotion has become a defining force in contemporary photographic culture.
November 12–15, 2026, 1:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
Closes at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday
Thursday, November 12, 5:00 p.m.
Talk
Fragile images. Photographic emotions in CGI and AI imaging
Charlie Engman & Marco De Mutiis
Grand Palais
Avenue Winston-Churchill
75008 Paris
Thursday, November 12, 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 14, 11:00 a.m. – in English
November 13 & 14, 2026
11am-7pm
Espace Commines
17, rue Commines
75003 Paris
